Grob spn coming to Alpha in 2008

[Geronimo4497]

09/18/07 - spn breaks into US fractional market
Sale of 25 aircraft to PlaneSense®
Grob Aerospace announced today that PlaneSense, one of the five largest US fractional ownership programs, managed by Alpha Flying Inc., has confirmed an order for 25 spn business jets. The deal introduces the spn to a broad base of corporate and individual owners who, through PlaneSense, take a share in the fleet at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership.
The first spn light jets will join the PlaneSense fleet towards the end of 2008. Aircraft for PlaneSense will be configured with a six-passenger Executive interior designed by Porsche Design Studio, with a large galley upfront and enclosed lavatory at the rear of the cabin.
The new fleet of spn jets at PlaneSense will complement the current fleet of 30 Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and will enable a significant expansion for Alpha Flying. PlaneSense was first launched 12 years ago to offer aircraft fractional ownership with a regional focus throughout the Eastern USA.
PlaneSense President and CEO, George Antoniadis, is a graduate of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland and holds an MBA from Harvard University. After having worked for McKinsey & Company, Antoniadis founded Alpha Flying in 1992 then created the PlaneSense program in 1996.
“Looking at the expansion of PlaneSense and with owners and potential owners wishing to fly more quickly over longer distances, we determined the versatile spn best suited our needs. Its 3,000 ft balance field performance and ability to operate from unimproved airfields, coupled with its large cabin, excellent economics and business jet speed up to 41,000ft were key criteria,” acknowledged George Antoniadis.
“PlaneSense owners told us they wanted an aircraft that would shorten flight times to Florida, the Bahamas and the Midwest while opening up as a destination. Because PlaneSense share owners have become accustomed to the time savings realized by operations into smaller general aviation airports, a twin jet with short field characteristics was high on our list of priorities. The spn fulfills all of our needs!”
“We are extremely pleased to announce the first signing of a fractional ownership customer and especially proud it is PlaneSense, one of the largest and highly regarded programs in the USA,” said Grob Aerospace CEO Niall Olver. “All of us at Grob Aerospace Inc, near neighbors at , are looking forward to working with George and his team to help them prepare for a smooth service introduction next year.”
Two years’ production sold to date
Since its public debut at the Paris Air Show in 2005, Grob Aerospace has secured in excess of 70 orders – or the equivalent to two years’ production - for the spn, taking non-refundable deposits from customers in North America, Africa, Europe and the. spn customers are attracted not only by the aircraft’s ability to land on short, unpaved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop, but its elegant and spacious cabin and large passenger door.
About the spn
The spn boasts an impressive range and payload for an aircraft in its class. With six passengers and one pilot, the aircraft can fly non-stop 1,800 nm (3,334 km / 2,071 mi) with NBAA IFR reserves. The aircraft features a total cabin volume of 405 cu.ft (11.5 m³) – by far the largest among light business jet, as well as a large passenger door.
Early sales success for the industry’s new generation light business jet has raised market interest with its unique operating characteristics. For example, it can operate on unimproved runways (gravel or grass), traditionally the domain of a turboprop. At maximum takeoff weight, the spn requires just 3,000 ft (914 m).
Although the spn will be certificated for single pilot operation, all PlaneSense Program flights will be conducted with two fully qualified pilots. The aircraft will also be certified for single pilot operation and is equipped with one of the most advanced avionics suites amongst the aircraft in its class. Honeywell’s Primus Apex integrated all glass cockpit sets new standards for simplicity, reliability and technology. Two rear-mounted FADEC controlled Williams FJ44-3A engines deliver 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) of thrust.
Grob Aerospace – Over 35 Years of Aviation History
In business for over 35 years, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. The Grob Aerospace Inc. central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the site of the former 4,500-acre Pease Air Force Base, converted to commercial use in the early ‘90s. The company also maintains regional sales offices and factory-authorized service centers throughout the United States.
www.grob-aerospace.com
About PlaneSense
PlaneSense was launched in 1996 at the regional aircraft fractional ownership program focusing on the Eastern USA. Today, PlaneSense flies 30 Pilatus PC 12 aircraft under FAR 91 subpart K. This fleet will exceed 50 in 2010. In the past 12 months PlaneSense has flown over 20’000 accident free flights, up over 30% from the previous year. The number of owners in the program has grown over 25% in the same period. PlaneSense boots a very high level of customer satisfaction, manifested by a churn ratio of under 10%. Currently based at Manchester, New Hampshire, PlaneSense plans to move into its new purpose built facility at Portsmouth, New Hampshire in October this year. The welcome addition of the spn will further strengthen PlaneSense’s position as a leading aircraft fractional ownership program in the USA.
www.planesense.aero
For further information contact:

Elisabeth Palander Alison Chambers / Celia Turner
Grob Aerospace AG Emerald Media
+41 44 876 56 82 +44 1962 736600
[email protected] [email protected]

Patricia A. Reed
Alpha Flying, Inc. / PlaneSense
+1 508-420-8953
[email protected]

There are a few of us Alpha folk on board here that may be able to answer any questions.

 

[av8orboy]

:beer:

 

[johnsonrod]

Wow - that's great news!!!!!! Will Grob pilots be based out of both New Hampshire and the Atlanta area?

 

[On Your Six]

Welcome to the jet age!

I have been a fan of that Grob since it came out a few years back. Great short-field performance and a very capable flight deck. Should be a lot of fun to fly and a great way to "market" the airplane to other potential customers across the US. It makes a lot of sense as a step-up aircraft for current Pilatus owners - good cross-sell opportunity. Plus, perhaps having those jets will help to stem some of the pilot attrition at AF (so long as the jets come with better, market-rate salaries).

Great job!

 

[johnsonrod]

It's probably way too early to talk about it, but do you think AF will consider hiring directly into the jet at some point or will the Pilatus be the first stop for a newhire with jet time, etc???? Just curious - I know the first Grobs won't arrive for another year or so.

 

[av8orboy]

It's probably way too early to talk about it, but do you think AF will consider hiring directly into the jet at some point.

No, from what we have been told.

 

[Geronimo4497]

I sure hope not. Talk about mutiny in the ranks.

 

[av8orboy]

http://aintv.com/home.asp?CATEGORY_ID=51&ID=170&FMT=WM

 

[On Your Six]

This should be a link to the Grob profile video (seems like a nice airplane - very capable performer like the Pilatus):

http://aintv.com/home.asp?CATEGORY_ID=4&ID=33&FMT=WM

 

[ArthurQ]

Great news indeed. Sure will make for a good stepping stone with 500 hours of Grob time to apply over to netjets with there new contract ;-). I'm sure that hasn't crossed any minds. Hopefully pay in the industry will follow, but I have my doubts. Something will have to give. Fortune cookie say "attrition rates will continue in lieu of the recent aircraft addition". Best of luck for those sticking it out!

 

[johnsonrod]

Great news indeed. Sure will make for a good stepping stone with 500 hours of Grob time to apply over to netjets with there new contract ;-). I'm sure that hasn't crossed any minds. Hopefully pay in the industry will follow, but I have my doubts. Something will have to give. Fortune cookie say "attrition rates will continue in lieu of the recent aircraft addition". Best of luck for those sticking it out!

At least those who choose to stick it out will get to fly a great performer. Sure, the PC12 is a great airplane in itself, but the Grob will be a big improvement. Good for them. Not everyone is interested in moving away from rural NH (although Netjets might have a BOS base if the new TA is passed).

 

[Twotter76]

(although Netjets might have a BOS base if the new TA is passed).

BOS, BED, MHT, PWM and BTV will all be bases IF it passes for you Northeasters.

 

[BushwickBill]

So will you guys get paid well to fly it? that is the question....

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Is there an attrition problem at Alpha now??

Mr. I.

 

[hammer2]

What does a guy in the right seat of a Pilatus do?

 

[Geronimo4497]

What does a guy in the right seat of a Pilatus do?

Flies the airplane and operates in a CRM environment, just like any other 91K company.

 

[av8orboy]

What does a guy in the right seat of a Pilatus do?

Not a 7/7.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Not a 7/7.

What's the sched? Is it a 6/4?

Mr. I.

 

[ArthurQ]

Schedules are currently 6/4. 7/7 looks to be a future goal or so it has been communicated. It looks like the major reason, again as it has been communicated, is due to the staffing level. Hopefully with the jet prospect on the horizon attrition will decrease and more applicants will emerge.

Answer on the jet pay. It hasn't officially been released, but rumors say it will be at least 20% lower than current competitiors pay, 30+% if they get their TA approved. These rates are on comparative aircraft of course. (Beechjet-Hawker 400, CJ3).

 

[johnsonrod]

Schedules are currently 6/4. 7/7 looks to be a future goal or so it has been communicated. It looks like the major reason, again as it has been communicated, is due to the staffing level. Hopefully with the jet prospect on the horizon attrition will decrease and more applicants will emerge.

Answer on the jet pay. It hasn't officially been released, but rumors say it will be at least 20% lower than current competitiors pay, 30+% if they get their TA approved. These rates are on comparative aircraft of course. (Beechjet-Hawker 400, CJ3).

Good luck trying to find experienced pilots out of the MHT/BOS and PDK domiciles for that pay when CS, Avantair and NJA (if the new TA passes) have domiciles in the same location... Low time pilots will be the only applicants and you want to keep some experienced pilots in the PC12s as the Grob fleet grows.

Sure, that Grob jet looks real cool and fun to fly, but I, and most sane people, would rather be paid much better to fly comparable or better aircraft for the other fractionals. Ideally, I would expect wages at least comparable to 400XP, CJ3 and P180 wages (not Falcon 2000 or Sovereign wages) to keep people in seat... Otherwise, attrition will always be a concern.

 

[ArthurQ]

In response, I'll refer back to my original post #10

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I spoke with someone recently about applying at Alpha and their thought was that they would be a jet captain elsewhere before they would even touch the jet at Alpha. That was from a pilot already there!!

I'd think Captains on that jet are probably going to need 1000 multi and maybe 500 jet to qualify. Just a guess based on what Netjets and the rest of the fracs/charters require. Would street hiring be necessary if that were the issue? If so, maybe their pay would have to come up in order to compete...? Might solve the attrition issue right there. Don't those costs ultimately get passed onto clients?

Any idea what the career track would be? Maybe Pilatus FO, Grob FO, Pilatus Captain and then Grob Captain?

Mr. I.

 

[Geronimo4497]

I spoke with someone recently about applying at Alpha and their thought was that they would be a jet captain elsewhere before they would even touch the jet at Alpha. That was from a pilot already there!!

Sounds about right.

They claim no street captains on the Grob will be needed; all upgrades from within. Upgrade path is supposedly PC-12 FO to PC-12 captain then Grob FO to Grob captain.

Currently the FO to captain position in the PC-12 goes by year in seat vs. year with company. The Grob upgrade path is supposed to go by year since PC-12 upgrade. This means a transitioning 3rd year PC-12 captain to Grob FO would be at 4th year Grob FO pay (around 60K), IIRC.

 

[Hugh Gass]

So are you saying 5 years with PlaneSense. 1 year PC-12 FO, upgrade to PC-12 CAPT for year 2 & 3, Grob FO year 4 at 60k, maybe Grob capt year 5..........salary would be? Competitors current salary structure which I anticipate to change if Netjets TA is approved.

Avantair P180 somewhat comparable airplane, but still a turboprop 5 year Capt.....$72k 7/7 schedule
Citationshares CJ3 very comparable aircraft, 5 year Capt.....$91k 7/7 schedule
Flexjet Lear 45 higher end jet??? Maybe, 5 year Capt.....$87,776 7/5 schedule
FlightOptions Hawker 400XP Salary Same class Aircraft 5 year Capt.....$66372 7/7 schedule
NetJets Hawker 400XP 5 year Capt.....currently $90k
PlaneSense 6/4 schedule......5 year Capt.....?

I would hope it would be somewhere close to 80+K for them to be competitive in the workforce marketplace especially with a 6/4 schedule. Otherwise they will be pulling from the weakest of the ranks. Any idea when the numbers will be announced?